Joy Is Everywhere Jesse Manibusan

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Lyrics

Joy is not some medication to numb away the pain.
Joy is more than just elation that comes and goes away.
Joy is not the jubilation of all your dreams come true.
Joy's the gift and affirmation that love resides in you.
Love resides in me. Love resides, never hides,
rejoices in the truth.

Joy like a fountain springs.
Joy is the song we sing.
Joy, from the love we bring.
Joy is everywhere!

Joy, for a brand new start.
Joy, from a grateful heart.
Joy, when we do our part.
Joy is everywhere!

Sing hosanna! Let our hearts rejoice.
Sing hosanna! Lift a thankful voice.
Sing hosanna! Know that God is here.
Sing hosanna! Joy is everywhere!

Joy, when our hearts can hear.
Joy, in our deepest fear.
Joy, knowing love is near.
Joy is everywhere!
Joy is a love alarm.
Joy, when we do no harm.
Joy, in our open arms.
Joy is everywhere!

Artist Reflection

My friend, Brenda Berding, sweetheart of Bob LRJ Berding, invited me to a J.O.Y. celebration in Grand Rapids, eons ago. I remember speaking on the concept of joy, but also remembered more powerfully, the story that Brenda and Bob shared with me about their son, Gregory. His brief life brought an eternal supply of hope and joy to the Berdings, and continues to overflow today. Joy is everywhere . . .

So it is with God. Storms, pain, trauma, fear, confusion; you name the trauma of the moment. We've lived it, once, twice, and for some, over and over again.

Joy is not the absence of pain, fear, confusion, stupidity, ignorance, sickness, failure, despair.

Joy is knowing that love never fails. Joy is the presence of God. Joy is surrendering to the presence of God in the midst of everything. Joy is a decision to be grateful; a decision to be loved; a decision to be present in this moment.

Joy is knowing that you are loved, and in spite of all other evidence, loved constantly and to the full. Joy is everywhere . . .

Brenda wrote a poem called "Joy" and shared it with me. I figured, what better way to honor her, Bob, their son Joe, and their son and saint, Gregory?

Who, like God's love, is with us now? Always?
All we need do is surrender . . .

Where two or three are gathered, there is God.
Where there is love and charity, there is God.

Where peace is sought; where justice is sown;
where non-violence is taught, learned, and shared;
where there is mercy and compassion;
where there is courage and boldness;
where there is humility;
there too is God.

And where God is,
so too there is joy.
Joy is everywhere . . .

- Jesse Manibusan